Ambergate: Spate of break-ins at electric substation prompt police warning

The substation, in Chase Road, has been broken into three times in the last fortnight – the most recent of which was on Wednesday night (July 27).

It is thought the offenders may be trying to steal cabling from inside, although nothing has been taken in any of the break-ins.

Police are increasing patrols in the area and are asking walkers to report any suspicious activity as soon as they see it.

Officers are also reminding people about the dangers of approaching electricity substations, which can carry several thousand volts.

PCSO Eve Shaw, from Heage Safer Neighbourhood Team, said: “We are extremely concerned that someone is putting their life and the lives of others at risk by breaking into a substation.

“There is a reason that substations are covered in ‘instant death’ warning signs and that is because of the huge voltages running through them.

“Just one slip could kill whoever is going in there and also put engineers in danger, or anyone who goes in to help.

“It’s a popular dog walking route and I would like to hear from anyone who might have seen suspicious activity around the substation in recent weeks.

“Similarly, if you know someone who is so blatantly putting their life at risk, please get in touch before a tragedy occurs.”

Anyone with information on the break-ins should call PCSO Shaw on 101, quoting crime reference 16000210934.

Alternatively, send her a message online by visiting the Contact Us section of our website www.derbyshire.police.uk/Contact-Us.

You can also call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.